Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has hit back at Wayne Rooney’s claims that the Reds’ recent dip in form stems from a lack of leadership, describing the comments as “lazy criticism.”
Liverpool, who lifted the Premier League title last season under Arne Slot, began their title defence strongly with five straight wins, but a run of four consecutive league defeats, including a damaging loss to Brentford, has raised questions about their form and focus.
Following the defeat, Rooney suggested that Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah had failed to “really lead that team this season.” But after Liverpool’s rebound victory over Aston Villa on Saturday, the Dutch defender was quick to respond.
“I didn’t hear him last year,” Van Dijk said. “It doesn’t hurt me. He’s a legend of the game and I have great respect for him, but I feel that kind of comment is a bit of a lazy criticism. It’s easy to point fingers when things aren’t going well, but leadership isn’t about shouting — it’s about staying united.
“When we were winning, nobody questioned our leadership. Now that results have turned, it’s suddenly a topic. That’s part of football, but I don’t take it personally.”
Van Dijk added that he and his teammates are fully behind Slot and remain confident they can turn their season around: “We all know we’re in this together. We help each other, and we’ll work our way out of it by staying humble and believing in the process.”
On his latest podcast, Rooney maintained his position while emphasising his respect for Van Dijk.
“I’ve got full respect for Virgil — he’s been one of the best defenders in the world over the past five years,” Rooney said. “But my job now is to give honest opinions. I don’t think he’s been at his best this season, and I’m sure he and Arne Slot would probably agree with that.”
Liverpool’s recent form has also placed scrutiny on Arne Slot, with reports suggesting growing pressure on the Dutchman just months after delivering the club’s first league title since Jürgen Klopp’s departure.
However, Van Dijk dismissed the idea of instability within the club: “I’ve heard the reports about the manager being under pressure, but this isn’t a club that makes rash decisions. We all believe in what we’re building.”
Liverpool currently sit third in the Premier League, seven points behind leaders Arsenal, as they enter a crucial week — facing Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday before a pivotal domestic clash against Manchester City on Sunday.
Van Dijk’s response underscores a calm defiance within the Liverpool camp: a determination to silence critics not through words, but through performances.
